Godolphin's Dubai Millennium cast aside any dirt track doubts and announced himself the horse they all have to beat in the Group I Dubai World Cup on March 25th with a brilliant performance in last night?s Maktoum Challenge at Nad Al Sheba.
Run over the same course and distance as the Dubai World Cup in three weeks time, Dubai Millennium was given a 'thorough test' by jockey Frankie Dettori and responded in style, defeating Lear Spear by four and a half lengths with Comeonmom three and a quarter lengths away third.
'I was a bit worried when he drew barrier one but it has worked out ideally,' Dettori said.
'This was his test, to see if he could handle the dirt. I eased him behind the leaders, I let him get all dirty and then pulled him to the outside and he proved what a champion he is.'
'Now we can start to get excited.'
Dettori hasn't enjoyed much success in the Dubai World Cup, he is yet to figure in the placings, however judging by this performance by Dubai Millennium that will all change this year.
The manner in which he cantered to the early leaders Comonmom and Goombayland and then accelerate was awesome and despite being eased down on the line, he managed to break two minutes for the 2,000m.
'He is a champion,' Dettori said.
David Elsworth, trainer of Lear Spear, stressed that he would first speak to the horse's owner, Mr Raymond Tooth, before making a definite decision on plans for Lear Spear but said the Dubai World Cup was still very much on the programme.
'I was very happy with the way the horse ran and I will speak to Mr Tooth before a decision is made but I must say that Lear Spear has some improvement in him,' Elsworth said.
'That is taking nothing away from the winner, he is truly a top class horse and finishing second to him is no disgrace.'
